Review: Josh Johnson’s ‘Freedom Exercise’

One effective way to find new artists and music is through their works with others. A great example of this is Josh Johnson. While generally lacking the name recognition of some of his peers, the saxophonist has been at the forefront of some of the finest recordings to emerge over recent history, often those exploring novel sounds and methods of creation. In 2015, he played a central role on Jeff Parker’s New Breed (International Anthem, 2015) and a half-decade later, its follow-up, Suite for Max Brown (International Anthem, 2020). In between, he kept busy, working with Marquis Hill (Modern Flows Vol. 2 (Black Unlimited Music Group, 2018) and Love Tape (Black Unlimited Music Group, 2019)), and as part of Makaya McCraven’s Los Angeles sextet on Universal Beings (International Anthem, 2018). He was also on what this writer believes to be the best release of 2019. His performances on these, and others, have confirmed that Josh Johnson is a force to be reckoned with and an instrumentalist of the highest caliber. Given this background, it is surprising that Freedom Exercise (Northern Spy, 2020) is Josh Johnson’s first as a leader. However, it is an album worth the wait, as it also confirms his strengths as a composer. 

A concept central to Freedom Exercise is that of layering disparate ideas and aesthetic qualities on top of each other to create new experiences. It begins with “Nerf Day,” where a repetitive drum beat shuffles beneath distorted guitar. Gradually, a gentle and soothing alto sax tone enters the mix. For a brief while, it is reminiscent of the bandleader’s work with Parker. But appearances can be deceiving. As the piece progresses, the surreal surroundings and tempos begin to shift chaotically, as if your music player’s speed settings are malfunctioning. These sudden changes leave it unpredictable and intriguing, even upon repeat listening.

Electronics guide the start of “856,” where a frenetic synthesizer produces rapid tones, over which more serene ones emulate a string quartet. The effect generated makes it appear as though you are rapidly traveling towards a location, perhaps the next track’s locale in an untamed frontier. “Western Ave” may be named after major roads in both Chicago and Los Angeles, two cities important to Johnson. However, the music itself moves the listener away from urban metropolises and towards a wild west that never was. Aaron Steel’s slowed-down afro-beat inspired rhythms, Anna Butterss’ deep bassline, and Gregory Uhlmann’s propulsive guitar riffs provide an imaginary scene in which Tony Allen and Fela Kuti don Stetsons and spurs to collaborate with Ennio Morricone on a Leone film. And, through it, Johnson’s horn tells of a story of a grizzled figure who now lives in the desert because he feels the land will not harm him as some long lost love did years before. 

“Bowed” emphasizes space and silence as a solo sax pushes into a sparse environment of synthesized swirls in which the rhythm section provides a unifying focus. A distinguishable melody forms out of repetitive horn and guitar cycles, often giving a sharper edge to Johnson’s generally dulcet tone. It also sets the stage for the blurring of lines between synthetic and organic sounds on “Eclipsing”’s frequent weaving together of guitar, electronics, and saxophone to produce a singular sound. The mirroring of these instruments provides a reverberant echo-like quality even without the use of delayed effects. A similar concept recurs again at certain points on “False Choice.” This approach, and others like it throughout the album, ultimately emphasizes the malleability of both sound and composition. Electronics are not used as mere flourishes or touches but as equals to more traditional instrumentation. 

True to its title, Freedom Exercise pushes the limits in which preset order and open expressiveness can not just coexist but interact. Josh Johnson’s debut as a leader is unrestricted by what came before, pushing itself into multiple different avenues. In the process, the album delightfully obfuscates divisions. It is near impossible to discern live band from studio mastery and the pre-composed from the improvised. It is a songwriting marvel. 

Josh Johnson’s ‘Freedom Exercise’ will be available on Northern Spy Records on October 9, 2020.

Tracklist: 1. Nerf Day; 2. 856; 3. Western Ave; 4. Bowed; 5. Eclipsing; 6. New July; 7. False Choice; 8. Punk; 9. Simple Song; 10. Return Recoil.

Personnel: Josh Johnson (saxophones, mellotron, Prophet 6, percussion, 856 for Zellersasn, Synth, MS-20, Wurlitzer, flute, bass clarinet, synth bass, sampler), Gregory Uhlmann (guitar), Anna Butterss (electric bass), Aaron Steele (drums, percussion).